Site requirements

To qualify for standard pricing, your site must meet these requirements:

Job site is within our local service area

Truck parking within 150 ft. of job site

18” clear workspace around all shed sides

No major stairways to reach job site

Electrical outlet within 100 ft. of job site

Ground slope less than 8” at shed site

3 ft. clearance above shed roof

Other factors may apply, but these are the most common. Give us a call if you are not sure if your site is buildable.
For sites in our extended service area, sites with stairs, no electrical outlet, sites on slopes, limited workspace etc., we
may be able to help you but extra fees will apply.

Permits & Regulations

Help With City Regulations

Most sheds are subject to various regulations even if a building permit is not required. These codes typically have to do with size, height, set-backs, easements, etc. As the property owner, you are responsible to know the codes that apply to your property, but we will help you understand them and advise you on how your shed can be in compliance.

Permit Services

Your shed may not need a building permit, but if it does, we typically handle all the details and obtain the permit on your behalf. Typically permits are required for any shed larger than 120 sq. ft. We are a licensed contractor: CA-819384.

Permit & Zoning Questions

1. Are you a licensed contractor?
Yes. We have a “General” and “Electrical” contractor’s license—number 819384. We also have worker’s compensation and liability insurance and we’re happy to provide proof if requested.

2. What kind of zoning rules apply to sheds?
City/county zoning regulations specify height & size rules, and distances to property lines, easements, & other structures. These rules apply to all sheds regardless of size. For most sheds less than 120 sq. ft., you just need to follow these rules, but no application or permission is required. Although we will help you understand your city codes and help you meet them, you as the property owner are responsible to know what they are and to follow them.

3. When does a shed require a building permit?
There are exceptions, but most cities/counties require a building permit for any shed larger than 120 square feet, and any building with electrical.

4. What is involved in the permit process?Knowing and understanding building & zoning codes.
Creating and submitting acceptable shed drawings and site plan.
Submitting the proper application to the city/county.
Responding to modifications that may be requested or required.
Picking up the permit once it’s approved.
Scheduling inspections.
Meeting inspectors on site as required.

5. Can The Shed Shop deal with the city and get the permit for me?
Yes! We include drawings, permit procurement, meeting inspectors, etc. in our published pricing for all sheds larger than 120 sq. ft. This saves you the headache of dealing with the city, plus we know how to correctly present the project so that it has the best chance of being approved with the least amount of cost.

6. Can I save money by getting the permit myself?
No. We will still be managing the project; interacting with the building department regarding questions or modifications; scheduling inspections; meeting inspector on site, etc. We recommend letting us handle the entire process for you.

7. What about City/County permit fees?
Because we don’t know the exact amount of the fees in advance, they are not included in our initial quotes. Once known they will be added to the cost of the project, but with no added mark-up.

8. Can I use my permitted shed as a bedroom or in-law quarters?
Usually not. Our sheds are classified as “accessory buildings” and are not designed or sold as for human habitation.

9. Will a permitted shed affect my home’s value for property taxes?
When a permit for improvements is taken out on your home, your home’s assessed value may increase by an amount of the cost of the project. For more information, contact your local proper tax assessor’s office.

10. Do I need to worry about my Homeowners Association rules?
If you have a homeowners association, we encourage you to find out what their shed rules are before making any shed decisions.

BLOCKS, SLAB, OR FOUNDATION?

Sheds 120 sq. ft. or smaller

Our all-purpose storage sheds 120 sq. ft. or smaller include a built-in floor system which we elevate on cement blocks, shims, and treated runners. This provides a sufficient long-lasting base for most situations.
If you prefer, a concrete slab offers benefits for both stability and appearance. We can arrange for a concrete slab if required or desired.

Standard Concrete Blocks Base ‐ Sheds 120 sq. ft. or Smaller

Optional Concrete Slab Base ‐ Sheds 120 sq. ft. or smaller

Sheds larger than 120 sq. ft.

Local building departments in the Bay Area typically require any structure larger than 120 sq. ft. to be constructed on a concrete foundation with perimeter footing in order to meet earthquake codes. Such a foundation eliminates the need for a built-in floor system. We factor in the cost of a concrete foundation in the base prices of our “Titan” model, and any “Studio” larger than 120 sq. ft.

Foundation with perimeter footing (that meets earthquake codes) is included in all sheds larger than 120 sq. ft.

HOW TO ORDER

Recommended Steps

1. Start with a phone conversation

Call us at (510) 791-7433. Tell us about your site and what you’re looking for in a shed. We can often give you a preliminary price quote over the phone. If everything sounds good, make plans to visit our showroom.

2. Visit showroom

Our clients are happiest and make the wisest choices after seeing the models and options in person, especially when choosing a shed height. If possible, bring photos of your site when you visit. You can usually confirm a model, size, height, options and get a quote. If we don’t need to see your site, you can place your order at the showroom.

3. On-site consultation

If we need to see your site, schedule an on-site consultation before placing your order.

DETAILED FAQ’S

Delivery & Assembly Questions

1. Who will assemble my shed, and how large is your delivery area?
Our prices include delivery and assembly by our own trained & insured employees. We offer all products and services within our primary service area. We deliver to some outlying areas, but not all products and services are offered, and a travel fee will apply.

2. What are your site requirements?
Your site needs to be reasonably level and our installers need at least 18 inches of workspace around the perimeter of the shed. If your site does not meet these requirements, give us a call and we can discuss possible ways to make your site buildable.

3. Can you check my yard before I place my order?
If you have visited our showroom and live in our primary service area, we can meet with you on site to determine if your site is buildable, and help you choose the best shed to meet your needs.

4. How will you get the shed into my backyard?
We deliver it in pieces (not pre-built panels) and assemble it entirely on site. All we need is a clear walking path to your spot.

5. Will my shed need to be painted?
Yes. For maximum protection we recommend paint rather than stain. If you don’t wish to paint the shed yourself, we offer painting at an extra charge (sorry, we don’t offer painting if you’re outside our local delivery area).

6. How long does the process take?
Our backlog to begin work can vary from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the time of year and how busy we are. After placing your deposit, we will offer you our next available installation date. When work begins, installation for a basic shed usually takes one day. 120 sq. ft. sheds and/or sheds with many options/upgrades may take two days. For sheds requiring a building permit, permit procurement may take up to four weeks, and the installation may also take up to four weeks.

Customizing Questions

1. What does it mean that your sheds are “Built-To-Order”?
Each shed is built individually for each customer. We are not set up to offer unlimited customizing but we offer a long list of options and choices from which you can design your own individual shed.

2. How much control do I have over the placement of door, windows, shelving etc.?
You can have them placed almost wherever you choose. We’ll assist you with these decisions when you place your order.

3. I’m looking for something different. Can you change the design of your sheds?
You can pick and choose from many features and options, but our basic design remains the same.

4. Can I have a custom size made?
Perhaps. Our largest size is a 20×24, and our only width choices are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 20 feet (the width is the first number of any given size). However we can make a custom length. For example we can change an 8×10 to an 8×9.

5. Can you put 2 sheds together or attach the shed to my house?
No. What you do with your shed after we finish is up to you, but we can only build them as individual detached buildings.

6. Can I provide my own doors and windows and have you install them for me?
Usually not. Providing your own windows & doors usually adds extra costs for labor and re-engineering. The Shed Shop will not be able to warranty customer- provided doors or windows.

7. Can I get any type of roof shingle that I want for my shed?
We offer standard 20 or 30 year composition shingles in a wide range of colors. If you want tile or wood shake, you will need to arrange for your own roofing.

Foundation

1. Will I need to pour a cement slab or make some other type of foundation?
It depends. Our sheds 120 sq. ft. or smaller include a built-in floor which we elevate on cement blocks, shims, and treated runners. Although a slab is the best base, a block and shim base is sufficient for most all shed uses. Sheds over 120 sq. ft. typically need a concrete foundation in order to obtain a building permit. We can arrange for either a concrete slab or foundation if required or desired.

2. Will my shed need to be anchored?
Usually not. Unlike flimsy metal sheds, ours are very heavy and won’t get blown around. However sheds larger than 120 square feet will be anchored to a concrete foundation. If you want your shed anchored, or if your city requires it, we offer several anchoring options.

3. What about earthquakes?
Our smaller sheds on treated runners will ride out a quake with little or no damage. If your shed slips off its blocks during a quake, we can re-place your shed on its blocks for a nominal fee.

Pricing & Ordering Questions

1. Is there sales tax on the total price?
It depends. “Free-standing” sheds are classified as “personal property” and sales tax must be paid on the total price (similar to tax on a refrigerator or new car). However, sheds that are “attached” to “real property” by foundation or other method are taxed on the value of the materials only.

2. How will you determine a quote for a shed over 120 square feet?
Sheds of this size typically require a building permit and the price depends on many factors. We will be able to calculate a quote after we visit your site, determine what features/options you want, and determine what will be required by your city/county.

3. Will I be subjected to a high-pressure sales pitch when I visit one of your showrooms?
No. Because each shed is built-to-order, we’ve learned it’s better to take our time and do it right the first time. Our staff is trained to be helpful and service oriented.

4. Do you require a deposit when I place my order?
Yes. Your deposit enables us to reserve an installation date, purchase building materials, and pre-cut the lumber for your shed. The final payment is due on the day of installation.

5. Will I lose my deposit if I need to cancel my order?
Only if you cancel at the last minute. We will promptly refund your entire deposit if you can give us at least 5 business days notice prior to your installation date. (note: for sheds with permits, you will forfeit a portion of your deposit if plans have already been generated and/or if non-refundable fees have already been paid to the city.)

Permit & Zoning Questions

1. Are you a licensed contractor?
Yes. We have a “General” and “Electrical” contractor’s license—number 819384. We also have worker’s compensation and liability insurance and we’re happy to provide proof if requested.

2. What kind of zoning rules apply to sheds?
City/county zoning regulations specify height & size rules, and distances to property lines, easements, & other structures. These rules apply to all sheds regardless of size. For most sheds less than 120 sq. ft., you just need to follow these rules, but no application or permission is required. Although we will help you understand your city codes and help you meet them, you as the property owner are responsible to know what they are and to follow them.

3. When does a shed require a building permit?
There are exceptions, but most cities/counties require a building permit for any shed larger than 120 square feet, and any building with electrical.

4. What is involved in the permit process?

Knowing and understanding building & zoning codes.
Creating and submitting acceptable shed drawings and site plan.
Submitting the proper application to the city/county.
Responding to modifications that may be requested or required.
Picking up the permit once it’s approved.
Scheduling inspections.
Meeting inspectors on site as required.

5. Can The Shed Shop deal with the city and get the permit for me?
Yes! We include drawings, permit procurement, meeting inspectors, etc. in our published pricing for all sheds larger than 120 sq. ft. This saves you the headache of dealing with the city, plus we know how to correctly present the project so that it has the best chance of being approved with the least amount of cost.

6. Can I save money by getting the permit myself?
No. We will still be managing the project; interacting with the building department regarding questions or modifications; scheduling inspections; meeting inspector on site, etc. We recommend letting us handle the entire process for you.

7. What about City/County permit fees?
Because we don’t know the exact amount of the fees in advance, they are not included in our initial quotes. Once known they will be added to the cost of the project, but with no added mark-up.

8. Can I use my permitted shed as a bedroom or in-law quarters?
Usually not. Our sheds, even our permitted sheds, are classified as “non-habitable accessory structures” and are not designed or sold as for human habitation. If you need a building for living quarters, we recommend going with a different company or contractor that specializes “habitable structures”.

9. Will a permitted shed affect my home’s value for property taxes?When a permit for improvements is taken out on your home, your home’s assessed value may increase by an amount of the cost of the project. For more information, contact your local proper tax assessor’s office.

10. Do I need to worry about my Homeowners Association rules?
If you have a homeowners association, we encourage you to find out what their shed rules are before making any shed decisions.